U.S. patent number 9,380,838 [Application Number 14/370,219] was granted by the patent office on 2016-07-05 for over molded g-hook.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Illinois Tool Works Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.. Invention is credited to Craig E. Ernst, Jr., Christopher A. J. Iannello, Martin J. Nilsen.
United States Patent |
9,380,838 |
Iannello , et al. |
July 5, 2016 |
Over molded G-hook
Abstract
A loop engaging G-hook with a metal interior having a polymer
covering. The metal interior remains uncovered in selected regions
which engage the connection strap and loops during use. One
uncovered region may be a wave-form crossbar in a threading eyelet
engaging the strap. Another uncovered portion may define an
inwardly projecting ridge disposed along the inboard edge of the
hooking arm adapted to extend through the loops. The selective
combination of bare and covered metal provides a high level of
strength in a low profile hook structure.
Inventors: |
Iannello; Christopher A. J.
(Rolling Meadows, IL), Nilsen; Martin J. (Hampshire, IL),
Ernst, Jr.; Craig E. (Marlboro, NY) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. |
Glenview |
IL |
US |
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Assignee: |
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
(Glenview, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
47605759 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/370,219 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2013 |
PCT
Filed: |
January 08, 2013 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/US2013/020614 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
July 02, 2014 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2013/106296 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
July 18, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20140338157 A1 |
Nov 20, 2014 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61584512 |
Jan 9, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F
5/00 (20130101); A45F 5/02 (20130101); A44B
13/0029 (20130101); A44B 11/04 (20130101); A44B
13/0023 (20130101); A44B 13/0005 (20130101); Y10T
24/3416 (20150115); A45F 2003/146 (20130101); A44B
13/0094 (20130101); A44B 13/0064 (20130101); A44B
13/0017 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A44B
13/00 (20060101); A44B 11/04 (20060101); A45F
5/02 (20060101); A45F 5/00 (20060101); A45F
3/14 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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10342712 |
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Apr 2005 |
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DE |
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1078577 |
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Nov 1954 |
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FR |
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95/09547 |
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Apr 1995 |
|
WO |
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2010081417 |
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Jul 2010 |
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WO |
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Other References
ISR and WO for PCT/US2013/020614 mailed May 28, 2013. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Sandy; Robert J
Assistant Examiner: Lee; Michael
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a National Phase of International Application
Number PCT/US2013/020614 filed Jan. 8, 2013 and claims the benefit
of, and priority from U.S. provisional application 61/584,512 filed
Jan. 9, 2012. The contents of such prior provisional application
and all other documents referenced in this application are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth
herein.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A G-Hook of multi-layer construction adapted to operatively
connect an elongated connection strap to a webbing loop projecting
away from an underlying support surface, the G-Hook comprising: a
base portion of substantially planar geometry, the base portion
having an interior eyelet extending through the base portion, the
eyelet being adapted to receive the connection strap in pass
through relation across the base portion; a hooking arm partially
surrounding a loop engagement slot disposed adjacent to the base
portion, the hooking arm having a first lateral segment extending
away from the base portion, a crossing segment disposed transverse
to the first lateral segment and a second lateral segment extending
away from the crossing segment in the direction of the base
portion, the second lateral segment having a free end spaced apart
from the base portion with a space between the free end and the
base portion defining a perimeter passage into the loop engagement
slot opening; a metal crossbar extending between lateral sides of
the eyelet; and a metal ridge disposed along an inboard side of the
crossing segment and projecting into the loop engagement slot
towards the base portion, wherein the crossbar and metal ridge
comprise uncovered portions of a metal insert disposed in embedded,
sandwiched relation between a pair of opposing polymeric covering
layers.
2. The G-Hook as recited in claim 1, wherein the base portion is
annular with portions of the base portion enclosing the eyelet.
3. The G-Hook as recited in claim 2, wherein the base portion has a
substantially rectangular perimeter.
4. The G-Hook as recited in claim 2, wherein the eyelet is
substantially rectangular, and wherein the crossbar extends between
lateral sides of the eyelet in substantial alignment with the major
dimension of the eyelet.
5. The G-Hook as recited in claim 4, wherein the crossbar has a
waveform construction.
6. The G-Hook as recited in claim 5, wherein the crossbar includes
a pair of peaks projecting in opposite directions, and wherein the
peaks extend in elevated relation to surrounding surfaces of the
base portion.
7. The G-Hook as recited in claim 1, wherein the hooking arm and
the base portion form a unitary construction.
8. The G-Hook as recited in claim 1, wherein the second lateral
segment is elevated relative to the crossing segment defining a
step between the second lateral segment and the crossing segment on
at least one face of the G-Hook.
9. The G-Hook as recited in claim 1, wherein the second lateral
segment is elevated relative to the crossing segment defining a
step between the second lateral segment and the crossing segment on
both faces of the G-Hook.
10. The G-Hook as recited in claim 1, wherein the metal insert is a
unitary construction.
11. The G-Hook as recited in claim 1, wherein the polymeric
covering layers are adjoined to one another around the perimeter of
the G-Hook in covering relation to the edges of the metal
insert.
12. The G-Hook as recited in claim 1, wherein the second lateral
segment of the hooking arm is substantially rectangular.
13. The G-Hook as recited in claim 1, wherein the second lateral
segment of the hooking arm is substantially wedge shaped with a
convex curved outboard surface.
14. The G-Hook as recited in claim 13, wherein the second lateral
leg is thicker adjacent the crossing segment than at and the convex
curved outboard surface.
15. A G-Hook of multi-layer construction adapted to operatively
connect an elongated connection strap to a webbing loop projecting
away from an underlying support surface, the G-Hook comprising: a
base portion of substantially planar, annular geometry, the base
portion having an interior eyelet extending through the base
portion, the eyelet having a perimeter enclosed by surrounding
segments of the base portion, the eyelet being adapted to receive
the connection strap in pass through relation across the base
portion; a hooking arm integral with the base portion, the hooking
arm partially surrounding a loop engagement slot disposed adjacent
to the base portion, the hooking arm having a first lateral segment
extending away from the base portion, a crossing segment disposed
transverse to the first lateral segment and a second lateral
segment extending away from the crossing segment in the direction
of the base portion, the second lateral segment having a free end
spaced apart from the base portion with a space between the free
end and the base portion defining a perimeter passage into the loop
engagement slot opening, the second lateral segment being elevated
relative to the crossing segment defining a step between the second
lateral segment and the crossing segment on both faces of the
G-Hook; a metal crossbar of waveform construction extending between
lateral sides of the eyelet; and a metal ridge disposed along an
inboard side of the crossing segment and projecting into the loop
engagement slot towards the base portion, wherein the crossbar and
metal ridge comprise uncovered portions of a metal insert disposed
in embedded, sandwiched relation between a pair of opposing
polymeric covering layers adjoined to one another around the
perimeter of the G-Hook in covering relation to the edges of the
metal insert.
16. The G-Hook as recited in claim 15, wherein the crossbar
includes a pair of peaks projecting in opposite directions, and
wherein the peaks extend in elevated relation to surrounding
surfaces of the base portion.
17. The G-Hook as recited in claim 15, wherein the second lateral
segment of the hooking arm is substantially rectangular.
18. The G-Hook as recited in claim 15, wherein the second lateral
segment of the hooking arm is substantially wedge shaped with a
convex curved outboard surface.
19. The G-Hook as recited in claim 18, wherein the second lateral
leg is thicker adjacent the crossing segment than at and the convex
curved outboard surface.
20. A G-Hook of multi-layer construction adapted to operatively
connect an elongated connection strap to a webbing loop projecting
away from an underlying support surface, the G-Hook comprising: a
base portion of substantially planar, annular geometry, the base
portion having an interior eyelet extending through the base
portion in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the base
portion, the eyelet having a perimeter enclosed by surrounding
segments of the base portion, the eyelet being adapted to receive
the connection strap in pass through relation across the base
portion; a hooking arm integral with the base portion, the hooking
arm partially surrounding a loop engagement slot disposed adjacent
to the base portion, the hooking arm having a first lateral segment
connected to the base portion, a crossing segment disposed
transverse to the first lateral segment and a second lateral
segment extending away from the crossing segment in the direction
of the base portion, the second lateral segment having a free end
spaced apart from the base portion with a space between the free
end and the base portion defining a perimeter passage into the loop
engagement slot opening, the second lateral segment being elevated
relative to the crossing segment defining a step between the second
lateral segment and the crossing segment on both faces of the
G-Hook; a metal crossbar of waveform construction extending between
lateral sides of the eyelet, the crossbar having peaks extending in
raised relation to surfaces of the base portion surrounding the
eyelet; and a metal ridge disposed along an inboard side of the
crossing segment and projecting into the loop engagement slot
towards the base portion, wherein the crossbar and metal ridge
comprise uncovered portions of a unitary metal insert disposed in
embedded, sandwiched relation between a pair of opposing polymeric
covering layers adjoined to one another around the perimeter of the
G-Hook in covering relation to the edges of the metal insert, the
polymeric covering layers having mirror image perimeter geometries
and including window openings oriented for disposition in
surrounding relation to the crossbar to define the perimeter of the
eyelet in the G-Hook.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to strap connectors, and
more specifically to a G-Hook adapted to accept a threaded strap
and to interface with stitched-in webbing loops in a load support
system in a claw-like manner to establish an operative connection
between the strap and the webbing loops.
BACKGROUND
In many modern backpack systems loads are distributed by use of
strap connections running between the pack and a vest or other
torso covering structure worn by the user. By cinching the strap
connections between the pack and the user's torso, such systems
facilitate a more even distribution of load by moving a portion of
the load from the user's shoulders and onto the torso and waist.
Such load distribution reduces fatigue during prolonged use by
allowing a broader group of muscle groups to carry the load. In
practice, the straps may be operatively connected to the torso by
hooking into loops on so called MOLLE (Modular Light Weight Load
Carrying Equipment) webbing. Such MOLLE webbing typically includes
a series of open loops formed by stitching the webbing to a vest
panel or other support structure at positions along the length of
the webbing. The straps from the pack may be attached to hook
connectors which engage the loops to establish a reversible
connection.
In the past, the hook connectors have been made predominantly from
metal to provide adequate strength. However, such metal components
may be subject to damage and corrosion, and are more visible when
using night vision. Some plastic hook connectors have been used but
such structures have been relatively large and bulky in order to
provide the desired strength. Moreover, prior plastic parts have
been difficult to attach to the connecting strap in a secure
manner.
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present disclosure provides advantages and alternatives over
the prior art by providing a loop engaging G-hook with a metal
interior having a polymer covering. The metal interior remains
uncovered in selected regions which engage the connection strap and
loops during use. One uncovered region may be a wave-form crossbar
in a threading eyelet engaging the strap. Another uncovered portion
may define an inwardly projecting ridge disposed along the inboard
edge of the hooking arm adapted to extend through the loops. The
selective combination of bare and covered metal provides a high
level of strength in a low profile structure while securely
engaging the strap and loops.
In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure
provides a G-Hook of multi-layer construction adapted to
operatively connect an elongated connection strap to a webbing loop
projecting away from an underlying support surface. The G-Hook
includes a base portion of substantially planar geometry having an
interior eyelet extending through the base portion. The eyelet is
adapted to receive the connection strap in pass through relation
across the base portion. The G-Hook further includes a hooking arm
of generally "J" shaped configuration partially surrounding a loop
engagement slot disposed adjacent to the base portion. The hooking
arm has a first lateral segment extending away from the base
portion, a crossing segment disposed transverse to the first
lateral segment and a second lateral segment extending away from
the crossing segment in the direction of the base portion. The
second lateral segment has a free end spaced apart from the base
portion with a space between the free end and the base portion
defining a perimeter passage into the loop engagement slot opening.
A metal crossbar extends between lateral sides of the eyelet. A
metal ridge is disposed along an inboard side of the crossing
segment and projects into the loop engagement slot towards the base
portion. The crossbar and metal ridge are uncovered portions of a
metal insert disposed in embedded, sandwiched relation between a
pair of opposing polymeric covering layers.
Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become
apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of the following
detailed description, claims and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment for an
exemplary G-hook in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is another schematic perspective view illustrating the
reverse side of the exemplary G-hook in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic assembly view illustrating the components of
an exemplary G-hook consistent with FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an exemplary
metal insert used in the assembly practice illustrated in FIG.
3.
FIGS. 5-7 are a series of schematic views illustrating threading a
strap around a metal wave-form crossbar in a threading eyelet of an
exemplary G-hook consistent with FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an exemplary vest incorporating a
MOLLE webbing system suitable for engagement by an exemplary G-hook
consistent with FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIGS. 9 and 10 are a set of schematic views illustrating the
establishment of a claw-like engagement between the hooking arm of
an exemplary G-hook consistent with FIGS. 1 and 2 and a MOLLE loop
to provide a secure connection between the MOLLE loop and a
threaded strap;
FIG. 11 is a view illustrating left side and right side connections
using exemplary G-hooks in accordance with the present
disclosure;
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another
embodiment for an exemplary G-hook in accordance with the present
disclosure;
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the exemplary G-hook of FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 is a view taken generally along line 14-14 in FIG. 13;
and
FIG. 15 is a view taken generally along line 15-15 in FIG. 13.
Before exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is in no way
limited in its application or construction to the details and the
arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the disclosure
is capable of other embodiments and being practiced or being
carried out in various ways.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made to figures wherein to the extent
possible, like reference numerals are used to designate like
elements in the various views. Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, an
exemplary G-hook 10 is shown. As illustrated, the exemplary G-hook
10 includes a base portion 12 of generally rectangular annular
construction with rounded corners having an eyelet 14 adapted to
receive a strap threaded in a manner as will be described further
hereinafter. As shown, the base portion 12 may substantially
surround the eyelet 14 such that the eyelet is enclosed on all
sides. A crossbar 16 of substantially sine wave construction
extends across the eyelet 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the
crossbar is uncovered metal and acts to engage the threaded strap
in the final connected arrangement. In the illustrated exemplary
embodiment, the crossbar 16 defines substantially one complete wave
with a maxima peak and a minima peak projecting away from opposite
faces of the G-Hook 10. However, other configurations may likewise
be used.
In the illustrated exemplary construction, the amplitude of the
wave formed by the crossbar 16 is such that both peaks of the wave
may extend past the plane defined by the surrounding base portion
12. As will be appreciated, such a configuration with peaks
extending beyond the surrounding base portion may facilitate
threading a strap between the crossbar 16 and the surrounding base
portion 12 in a manner as will be described hereinafter. However it
is also contemplated that the total amplitude of the wave may be
equal to or less than the thickness dimension of the eyelet 14 and
that no portion of the crossbar 16 projects past the plane of the
surrounding base portion 12 if desired.
As shown, the exemplary G-Hook 10 further includes a hooking arm
denoted generally by reference numeral 20 of generally claw-like,
"J" shaped construction extending away from one lateral side of the
base portion 12 to define a loop engagement slot 22 below the base
portion 12. In the illustrated exemplary construction, the hooking
arm 20 may include a first lateral leg 24 connected to a lateral
side of the base portion 12 with a crossing segment 26 extending
transverse to the first lateral leg 24 and a second lateral leg 28
projecting upwardly from the crossing segment 26 towards the base
portion 12. As illustrated, the second lateral leg 28 has a free
distal end and does not intersect with the base portion 12.
Accordingly, the gap between the base portion 12 and the second
lateral leg 28 defines a lateral passageway into the loop
engagement slot 22.
In the illustrated exemplary construction, an uncovered metal ridge
30 projects away from the inboard side of the crossing segment 26
and into the loop engagement slot 22 towards the base portion 12.
As will be described further hereinafter, the metal ridge 30 may
engage the interior of a MOLLE loop during hooking engagement
between the G-Hook and the MOLLE loop during use to promote a
secure connection.
As can be best seen through reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in
accordance with the illustrated exemplary construction both the
crossbar 16 and the metal ridge 30 are portions of a metal insert
40 of steel or other suitable material. By way of example only, and
not limitation, the metal insert 40 may be a one-piece structure
formed from relatively light gauge spring steal or the like
sandwiched between a first covering layer 42 of one piece
construction and a second covering layer 44 of one piece
construction. The first covering layer 42 and the second covering
layer 44 each may be formed of non-fragmenting polymer configured
to substantially cover portions of the metal insert other than the
crossbar 16 and the metal ridge 30. In the event of impact, the
polymer and metal will not fragment into multiple pieces, but will
simply deform or be pierced.
As shown, the first covering layer 42 and the second covering layer
44 may have matching perimeter geometries which each substantially
correspond to the desired final perimeter geometry for the
assembled G-Hook 10. In the illustrated exemplary construction, the
portions the first covering layer 42 and the second covering layer
44 cooperatively forming the second lateral leg 28 may be slightly
raised relative to the portions forming the crossing segment 26 so
as to define a raised step 46 between the crossing segment 26 and
the second lateral leg 28 on one or both faces of the assembled
G-Hook (FIG. 2). As will be described, during use, the raised steps
46 may aid in blocking against unintended withdrawal of the G-Hook
10 following loop engagement.
As shown, the first covering layer 42 and the second covering layer
44 may each include a pattern of surface indentations 47 which
facilitate gripping by a user without unduly reducing strength. In
this regard, the first covering layer 42 and the second covering
layer 44 may have either similar or dissimilar surface topography
features across their respective faces. Regardless of the surface
topography features for the first covering layer 42 and the second
covering layer 44, each of these layers includes an enclosed window
opening 48 adapted to overlay and receive portions of the crossbar
16 with surrounding space to define the open eyelet 14 with spacing
on either side of the crossbar 16 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.
As best seen through joint reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first
covering layer 42 may include a recess 50 having a perimeter
geometry substantially matching the outer perimeter of the metal
insert 40 such that the metal insert may be received in nesting
relation to be at least partially sunken within the recess 50
during assembly or over molding. In accordance with one exemplary
practice, to aid in proper positioning and to reduce the
possibility of lateral shifting after assembly, the surface of the
recess may be provided with a pattern of raised detents 52
positioned for acceptance within aligned openings 54 in the metal
insert 40. If desired, a mirror image recess (not shown) may
likewise be provided at the interior surface of the second covering
layer 44. Regardless of whether the recess is provided at the first
covering layer 42, the second covering layer 44 or both, in the
final construction the metal insert 40 will be in sufficient sunken
relation to permit the outer perimeter ridges of the first covering
layer 42 and the second covering layer 44 to be welded or otherwise
sealed along a perimeter seam line without interference from the
metal insert or over molded plastic over the metal insert. Thus,
the metal insert 40 will be in embedded sandwiched relation between
the covering layers.
As illustrated, an inboard surface of the metal insert 40 disposed
generally parallel to the crossbar 16 forms the uncovered metal
ridge 30 in the final construction. In the illustrated exemplary
embodiment, the metal insert 40 includes a lower segment 56
positioned generally in embedded juxtaposed relation to segments of
the first covering layer 42 and the second covering layer 44
forming the crossing segment 26. However, the height dimension of
this lower segment is slightly greater than the height dimension of
the overlying portions of the first covering layer 42 and the
second covering layer 44. Thus, the uncovered metal ridge 30
projects beyond the boundary of the crossing segment covering
layers and into the loop engagement slot 22 in the final
construction.
Referring to FIGS. 5-7, an exemplary threading arrangement is
illustrated for a connection strap 60. As indicated previously, the
connection strap 60 may be connected at its other end to a backpack
or other structure (not shown). As illustrated, in the exemplary
threading practice the connection strap is threaded through one
side of the open eyelet 14 and around the crossbar 16 and back out
the other side of the open eyelet 14 to cinch the connection strap
60 in place. Once the cinch connection is made, the connection
strap 60 may substantially cover the bare metal of the crossbar 16
(FIG. 7). As will be appreciated, the wave construction of the
crossbar 16 may facilitate threading by presenting spaces between
the crossbar 16 and the surrounding surface of the base portion 12.
Moreover, with the peaks of the waveform crossbar extending beyond
the plane of the base portion 12 on both faces, the connection
strap 60 may be threaded without regard to the orientation of the
G-hook 10. That is, the hooking arm 20 may be either up or down as
may be desired for the type of connection to be made by the
G-Hook.
As noted previously, a G-Hook 10 in accordance with the present
disclosure may be well suited to operatively engage loops on so
called MOLLE (Modular Light Weight Load Carrying Equipment)
webbing. By way of example only and not limitation, FIG. 8 is a
schematic illustration of a torso covering garment such as a vest
66 or the like as may be worn by a user incorporating a
multiplicity of MOLLE webbing loops. In the illustrated exemplary
arrangement, the vest 66 includes one or more attached webbings 68.
Of course, the number and placement of the webbings 68 is subject
to substantial discretion and may be varied as desired depending
upon the intended use. As shown, the webbings 68 may include
connection elements 70 in the form of connective stitching,
mechanical attachments, adhesives or the like attaching the
webbings 68 to the surface of the vest 66. The connections may be
disposed periodically along the length of the webbings to form a
series of loops 72 between the connection elements 70 such that the
loops 72 are adapted to matedly receive male elements in
pass-through relation. By way of example only, and not limitation,
the vest webbings 16 may be formed from segments of elastomeric or
inelastic fabric, although other materials as may be desired may
likewise be used.
Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the insertion of the hooking arm
20 into a webbing loop 72 is illustrated. As shown, this insertion
is accomplished by extending the crossing segment 26 and the second
lateral leg 28 of the hooking arm 20 into a loop 72 (FIG. 9). Upon
full insertion, the second lateral leg 28 extends through to the
far side of the loop 72 and the loop 72 is captured within the loop
engagement slot 22. In this condition, the loop 72 rests on the
hooking arm and substantially covers the metal ridge 30. Thus, a
low profile connection is established. As tension is applied to the
connection strap 60, the metal ridge 60 will be pulled towards the
opposing connection element 70 and will advance into the naturally
occurring crevice between the connection element and the underlying
base material of the vest 66 and the raised step 46 is positioned
outboard from the ridge of the loop 72. In this final tensioned
condition, the raised step 46 will block unintentional withdrawal
of the hooking arm from the loop in the absence of intentional
manipulation.
In the illustrated exemplary construction, G-Hook 10 also may
include an extended finger pull tab 74 at the corner of the hooking
arm forming the intersection between the first lateral leg portion
24 and the crossing segment 26. This extended finger pull tab aids
a user in grasping the G-hook 10 for tilting manipulation when
disengagement is desired.
As noted previously, the exemplary construction may be used for
both left side and right side engagement. This feature is
illustrated in FIG. 11 wherein the connection straps have been
removed for purposes of visibility. As will be appreciated, the
ability to use a common design for both left and right side
connections may provide a the user with substantial versatility. In
particular, a user may use a single design G-hook 10 to attach
straps from both sides of a backpack (not shown) to adjacent loops
72 on a torso covering garment to secure the pack in place in a
buckle-like fashion and to distribute a portion of the load away
from the user's shoulders.
FIGS. 12 and 13 provide an alternative embodiment for an exemplary
G-Hook 110 consistent with the present disclosure, wherein like
elements to those described previously are designated by like
reference numerals increased by 100. As will be understood, the
embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 is substantially similar to those
previously described with the exception that the second lateral leg
128 defining the free end of the hooking arm defines a generally
wedge-shaped beak extending outboard beyond the edge of the base
portion 112.
As shown, in the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13 the second lateral
leg includes a convex curved outboard surface with the second
lateral leg 128 having a configuration corresponding generally to
that of the bow of a ship with a narrowing width progressing
outwardly and downwardly. As best seen through joint reference to
FIGS. 13 and 14, in the exemplary G-Hook 110, the second lateral
leg 128 has an upper surface 180 which both slopes and narrows to a
distal point 182 at the outer edge of the second lateral leg 128.
In addition, the front and rear faces of the second lateral leg 128
converge progressively towards one another at the distal point 182.
Thus, the second lateral leg is thicker adjacent the crossing
segment 126 than at the convex curved outboard surface.
As will be appreciated, the configuration illustrated in FIGS.
12-15 may be beneficial in providing a very low resistance force as
the second lateral leg 128 is inserted into a loop as previously
described. However, since the second lateral leg 128 is still
raised at the intersection with crossing segment 126 to form a
raised step 146, a secure blocking arrangement is maintained to
prevent unintentional withdrawal.
As will be appreciated, the present disclosure provides a number of
advantages. By way of example only these advantages may include,
the absence of twisting or reconfiguration to switch sides;
improved strength from the metal insert; low profile, secure
connection under tension; reduced possibility for fragmentation;
and adaptability to fit onto any suitable webbing. Of course,
variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope
of the present disclosure. Thus, it is to be understood that the
disclosure disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
disclosure.
* * * * *